May 24, 2020
AN IMPRESSION
INTRODUCTION
The title of my homily for this feast of the Ascension is,
“Making an Impression.”
Jesus came into our world – he walked into our rooms – he came
through our walls – he left – but he left an impression.
OPENING STORY
Let me begin with a scene.
It was her moment. The little girl was ready to steal the show – but she was too young
to know all this.
It was also their moment - the whole crowd – the audience – the
nursing home community - who were about
to receive communion - to receive their gift – from this beautiful little girl.
The little girl had on a beautiful white dress. It was her first
communion dress – which she wasn’t to use this year – because of the Virus.
She was about to make first communion with old people in a
nursing home. Yes: a nursing home. They
were all at least 10 feet apart – all with masks – which several had no clue – what this was on their face for– and they were fidgeting with them.
The little girl waited in the wings outside the large recreation
room.
Then on signal, on cue, she walked into the room that was filled
with all the nursing home residents – in a semi-circle – facing center front.
Her white socks – white shoes - white dress - white latex gloves - were
perfect for the scene. The white and red tile floor had just been cleaned and waxed and was sparkling for
the occasion.
Her smile, her face, her hair perfect, were about to open up the consciousness doors of
all the old people, in their chairs, with their walkers – in this recreation hall.
It was the first public gathering in about 3 months. The
state had opened up a bit – but CDC guidelines were very much being practiced.
This was a nursing home – and they were having a tough, time
in this time of Corona 19. Fortunately, this
nursing home did not have any deaths or people testing positive for having the
virus.
Three nurses – also in white – also in gloves – also with masks – also with smiles in their eyes – came
in following the little girl – pushing silver stainless steel carts that carried
45 red roses – defanged of thorns on their long stems – with bandaids – for where
the thorns were. One nurse thought that
would be a neat touch
This was to be a very careful communion procession and procedure.
The little girl gave each old person a single red rose – and
a smile – and just two words, “For you!”
And most of the old folks said just two words back, “Thank
you!” – even a few who hadn’t said a word since last month – in April.
Nobody had arthritis or dementia of the smile.
Tears appeared everywhere. Eyes danced around the room.
All were young again.
That little girl made some impression!
That little girl in her white dress had a wonderful First
Communion ceremony this day.
TODAY’S READINGS
There are several scripture texts that come to mind for this
feast of the Ascension.
The one I like is: “Unless you become like little children,
you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Unless you become like little children, you shall not make an
impression of the crowd.
Unless you become little children – you won’t get Christmas –
and why God sent his only Son into our world as a child.
In today’s readings one basic message is the call of
Christians to be Christ’s witnesses
Our call is to get moving, stop staring into space, shake it
– and start spreading the Good News – that Jesus is with us.
You got the power! You got the Spirit! Use it. Live it.
This is what a Lover of God – Theos – Philos – does – as we
hear in the Acts of the Apostles.
Our job is to restore the Kingdom each day – till the ends
of the earth.
This is what Paul told the Ephesians and ever audience he
could reach.
This is the message he preaches in today’s second reading
from Ephesians.
This is the New Testament insight that Christ impressed on
all of us.
We have this insight, this innermost vision. How great our hope
is. This is our heritage. We’re in the will. We have the strength, power, the fullness
of him who fills the universe in its parts.
In today’s from Mathew 28:
16-20, we’re allowed to have doubts - but when Christ comes to us our
doubts can disappear.
CONCLUSION
The title and theme of my homily for today - the feast of the ascension is, “Making an
Impression.”
When we give out roses, when we give out daily bread, when we give out
love, we make an impression.
We put a dent in disregard.
We impress others by our love – especially those who feel forgotten –
like folks in a nursing home.
Be like that little girl in my opening story.
Make a good impression.
